Shape your future career

If you are planning to do a placement as part of your undergraduate or postgraduate study then watch our short video from our careers advisors. Giving some useful advice on how you can improve your employability skills before you come to the UK.

Check your visa status

When you arrive, make sure you know what your visa allows you to do – if in doubt you can contact our immigration team who can assist you – or you can attend some of our workshops about work visas. If you are on a Student Route Visa this usually means that you can work 20 hours a week and full time during the university holidays. You must make sure that you double check the dates, especially if you are a postgraduate student, as these dates may vary.

Get a national insurance number

To work in the UK you must get a national insurance number. Do this as soon as you arrive so that you can start the process, it can take a few months to come through. You can work without one as long as you have made an application. Information can be found here: NI and visa information

Register on MyCareerHub

MyCareerHub is an online careers platform which includes a jobs database, careers information, employer videos as well as different psychometric tests to help you in your career planning. It also features a practice interview simulator and materials to help you with your CVs and covering letters. When you sign up you’ll receive information about up and coming events and you can book your place at any of the central skills workshops to learn more about how to find work in the UK and abroad.

Get involved in extra-curricular activities

Employers look for students who can demonstrate certain softer skills from team work and communication to organisation and commercial awareness. You can develop these skills by getting involved in clubs, societies, volunteering and doing part time jobs. You’ll also make new friends and develop your English language skills. The Graduate Skills Programme is a great way to meet employers, develop skills and win an award that will look great on any job application.  

Employability programme for international students

Every term the CareersBU team run workshops specifically designed for international students. To book your place go to MyCareerHub events

• How to find a part time job with visa information
• Outstanding CVs! A practical session looking at the language used when writing CVs and covering letters to employers
• Finding employment in the UK job market
• Succeeding at interviews – a chance to practice your English for interviews
• Promoting your UK experience abroad
• Webinar on Tier 5 Visas

Support for finding placements – placement teams in your faculty

If you are an undergraduate or a postgraduate student completing a mandatory placement then you will need to contact the placement team in your faculty for support in finding a placement. You will need to visit your placement co-ordinator, they can review your applications and authorise your placements.

Careers related support 

If you are looking for part time jobs, volunteering, a graduate job or would like to discuss your career options, you can book a one-to-one appointment with a careers adviser. You’ll be able to talk through your options, job search strategy and gain feedback on your CVs, applications and interview style.